Cirencester Community Choir

Cirencester Community Choir began meeting in 2010 and is led by Vicky Sweeney and a team of fabulous Voice Leaders. It’s a Natural Voice Choir and fosters a relaxed, friendly approach to a capella singing for pleasure. We are a fully inclusive choir and no previous experience is required. There are no auditions or solo singing. Our teaching style is that of the oral tradition and so the ability to read music is not necessary. Vicky is a member of The Natural Voice Network and works in a variety of Community & Health Care settings. We work to the philosophy of The Natural Voice Practitioners which is that singing is our birth right. For thousands of years all over the world people have sung - to express joy, celebration and grief, to accompany work and devotion and to aid healing - without worrying about having a 'good' voice or 'getting it right'. Song has been a part of life, a way of binding the community together. We aim to re-create the sense that singing together is a natural activity and should be open to all. There is a plethora of evidence suggesting that singing has numerous health benefits both physical and mental. It encourages good circulation, increases lung capacity and maintains active brain function. It is also instrumental in the release of endorphins (naturally occurring pain relief and our "feel-good" hormone). The most important thing for us however, is that it’s great fun! We sing lovely songs and rounds from all around the world and some pop, folk and gospel too all in glorious 3 or 4 part harmony. We meet weekly on Thursday evenings during term time from 7.30pm till 9.30pm at The Ashcroft Centre Ashcroft Road Cirencester GL7 1RA New members are welcome at any time. The cost is £8 per session for ‘Drop in’ or £7 if termly fee paid in advance. This includes song sheets and delicious home-made refreshments! The first session of each term is run as a ‘Taster Session’ and is free for new singers.